UPDATE: Helicopter crash near Enderby sends three to hospital, pilot left scene

Three people were taken to hospital after a helicopter crash east of Enderby Saturday night.

RCMP say the person believed to be the pilot left the scene and has yet to be accounted for.

Police say the helicopter reportedly made a crash landing into the Shuswap River near the 2700 block of Mabel Lake Road just after 8 p.m. on Aug. 12 in the community of Hupel.

“The initial investigation determined four people were on board the helicopter when it crashed into the river bed,” Const. Chris Terleski of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, said.

“Three of the individuals were transported to hospital with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries. One person, believed to be the pilot, left the scene in a vehicle prior to arrival of emergency personnel and remains unaccounted for.”

BC Emergency Health Services said eight ambulances were dispatched to the scene around 8 p.m. Aug 12 and four people were taken to hospital in stable condition.

“Paramedics cared for and transported three patients to hospital in stable condition. A fourth person left the scene by private vehicle before paramedics arrived,” a BCEHS spokesperson told Vernon Matters.

Police said the cause of the crash remains under investigation, adding the Transportation Safety Board of Canada is assisting in the probe.